A potluck? Not at all- just a simple question. What’s your value-add? What skills, attributes, talents, energy, and insight do you bring to the table?

Whether it is at work, at home, or within the community, you add an element of value? Have you thought about your own value-add, and how that benefits those with whom you work, live, and play?

I bring my nursing platform to the table; it has served me well and provided the basis for a journey that has taken me around the country and across the globe. Throughout my career, I have used the lessons learned from my initial educational program to grow personally and professionally. And, I have taken it to the next level- by being of service to others, by mentoring the next generation of leaders, and by giving back.

I have worked with unique populations and have created a model that can be used as a prototype for every educational program that has international as a part of its mission. I believe that we have much to offer and a lot to learn. The model that I have created can be used to foster additional professional partnerships among growth-minded leaders from multiple industries. I am committed to enhancing the business outcomes of my colleagues and helping these high-integrity leaders make great decisions that benefit their companies, organizations, families, and communities. What about you- what do you bring to the table? What value do you add?

Employees are unhappy at work, and companies are paying for it! Results matter and to survive and thrive in today’s economy, companies need an engaged workforce. The bottom line, in companies large and small, is a concern that can be managed through culture and hiring practices.

If you were to rewrite the future of your organization, what might that look like? What changes could you make in your company’s culture that would drive performance, enhance the bottom line, and generate an engaged workforce that ensures your success and theirs?

As a master of work/life balance, I’ve spoken and written about the impact of the environment on behavior, productivity, relationships, and yes- health! What I know is that CULTURE DRIVES PERFORMANCE…and a culture of success is the first step in communicating your goals, your vision, and your mission.Employees can and should be ambassadors for your organization; they will do so if you set expectations with them, communicate those expectations, and hold them accountable.

Reward your superstars by recognizing and cloning them. Author Seth Godin has often referenced past culture (follow instruction, be on time, work hard, suck it up), with current culture (be remarkable, be generous, be creative and connect people and ideas). What I know is that CULTURE DRIVES PERFORMANCE, and a culture of recognition and replication will lead to success.

You are familiar with the Good to Great philosophy of “having the right people in the right seats on your bus.” Take it a step further with the right fit credo. Hire for values! What I know is that CULTURE DRIVES PERFORMANCE, and a value-driven culture will attract and retain the right people.

In the words of John Ruskin, “In order that people may be happy in their work, these three things are needed: They must be fit for it. They must not do too much of it. And they must have a sense of success in it.”

Ruskin says in a simple quote what I know to be true: CULTURE DRIVES PERFORMANCE, and a culture of success, recognition and fit will drive your future!

Success matters- let’s face it. As a child, I was told that I would never amount to a thing, and I believed those who offered this advice; they were my parents. I never planned for success! It seemed so beyond my reach. When I think about the word, and what it now means to me, I have a different perspective.

I consider the word and how it is spelled: S U C C E S S.

I assign a word or characteristic to each of those letters, as in:

S for strive, to be all that I can be

U for understand, that just because they are my parents does not mean that they are right

C for courage, to move up and out

C for commit, to do what it takes

E for education, knowing how essential a good education is

S for strength, to overcome obstacles

S for share, and the philosophy that sharing is caring

So, what does it mean to you? How do you measure success in your career and life? What matters most, and why? How do you define it in a resume or during an interview? https://www.theresumecenter.com/careers-advice/interview-preparation-help/what-exactly-does-the-word-success-mean-to-you

We all want success; we chase it, but what is it? Success is both a goal and a journey.

To me, success means that I broke the template that my parents had set; I have a loving, caring, brilliant family and they like to be with me as much as I like to be with them. I have a great public speaking career, and I’ve created a nursing legacy that has allowed me to affect lives across the globe. I have good health, a growing sense of humor, and an appreciation for the gifts that I have been given. I have an amazing life partner who means the world to me and who I appreciate more with each passing day. I have good friends, lifelong relationships, and a passion for life.

I broke the template, and I have achieved measures of success. But for me, like you-this is a goal and a journey. I can spell the word, and I can create the future. I can spell the word, and I am on the journey.

And I scored! All 5s, that is, on a scale of 1-5 during 8 presentations in a two-week period! I knocked it out of the park, meeting and exceeding the expectations of my hosts, sponsors, and audiences. WOW – it felt great!

The thrill of the game

The drama of the goal

The sound of the bat

The thrill of the crowd

The standing ovation

Perhaps you have been there, when the Cubs won the World Series, when Simone Biles took home Olympic Gold, and when Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James have scored.

“To me, form is not about scoring runs but how you feel about your game. Sometimes the runs are not there, but you know you are batting well, and that is good form for me.” Gautam Gambhir

As an adult soccer player, I scored a magnificent goal that won the game and the trophy. In the process, I broke the metatarsals of my left foot, but I continued to play. When I learned to play golf 8 years ago, I scored a trophy as most-improved player in the 18-hole women’s league!

As speakers, trainers, facilitators, consultants – we are expected to SCORE a win for those who engaged us! We customize programs, give it our all, exceed expectations, excite the audience, offer a call to action, and get great reviews. To those who attend our sessions, embrace our content, employ our techniques, and follow us – thank you! As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), I share your commitment to the process and the outcome!

We are professional speakers! Our goal (no pun-intended) is to score for you every time, at every event, and at any venue! I scored, and I enjoyed the thrill, the drama, the sound, and the standing ovation. WOW – it felt great; let me SCORE for your organization or event!

What are your strengths? Within the workplace, you identify your strengths as communication skills, technology, people management, writing, leadership and more. What about within your life – how would you identify your strengths? When you update your LinkedIn profile, what changes do you make? Perhaps those changes address your workplace, your functions, your responsibilities. Think beyond your professional profile; think about yourself.

I encourage you to consider the following areas: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and intellectual.

The physical you requires good nutrition, appropriate weight, beneficial exercise and adequate rest.

The emotional you needs to give and receive forgiveness, love and compassion; needs to laugh and experience happiness; needs joyful relationships with yourself and others.

The mental you needs self-supportive attitudes, positive thoughts and viewpoints and a positive self-image.

The spiritual you requires inner calmness, openness to your creativity, and trust in your inner knowing.

The intellectual you requires fulfillment, personal development, and satisfying relationships.

It is mid-year, and perhaps it is time to realize your strengths and reach your potential.

Resolve to be the captain of your ship – your body/mind/spirit. A comfortable, healthy balance between your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects doesn’t happen accidentally. Someone has to be in charge, and that someone is always you. Sit back, recognize your strengths, and prepare to launch anew in mid-2017!